49ERS (1-0) VS. RAMS (1-0)

Kevin Lynch

Published 4:00 am, Sunday, September 23, 2001

-- WHEN: 1:15 p.m. Sunday

-- WHERE: 3Com Park

-- TV: Channel 2

-- RADIO: KGO (810 AM)

-- STORY LINE: This game has bigger implications for both teams because of the possibility of a shortened playoff format. This will be the 104th meeting between these two teams in a rivalry that's been characterized by its one- sided nature. St. Louis currently has a four-game winning streak. All of the wins have been by 10 points or more. Before that, the 49ers beat the Rams a series record 17 straight. Rarely are there upsets in this series, and the Rams are favored by 6 1/2 points. This will be a test for both teams' defenses.

The 49ers held the Falcons to 13 points and the Rams limited the Eagles to 17 points. The defenses of both clubs now face much tougher challenges.

-- WHEN 49ERS HAVE THE BALL: The Rams' revamped defense is modeled after the Buccaneers' scheme, which relies on strength up the middle and safety help on deep routes. That might be one reason rookie tight end Eric Johnson got the start. The former wide receiver, as well as the running backs, might work underneath the Rams' coverages. The scheme also might feed in to what the 49ers did best in the first week, and that's throw short to wide receivers and have them run after the catch.

-- WHEN RAMS HAVE THE BALL: To blitz or not to blitz? The Eagles did in Week 1, and they held the Greatest Show on Earth offense to 20 points. Quarterback Kurt Warner was sacked four times, hit 11 times and hurried 12 times. But coach Mike Martz estimates that during Warner's career, his quarterback rating against the blitz is in the 130s. Blitzing can expose young cornerbacks, which the 49ers have. The 49ers might try it early just to see if the Rams' offensive line has trouble with it, like it did against the Eagles.